THE final Champion Hurdle trial takes place at Kempton today but expect it to provide more questions than answers in a race that, more and more, resembles a riddle in a puzzle.

Last year’s hero Punjabi will be the horse putting his credentials on the line at the Sunbury track shortly after lunchtime yet, as his trainer Nicky Henderson knows, he has little to gain and much to lose.

Having been thrashed at Haydock last month by Alan King’s Medermit, Punjabi simply has to win in order for him to be considered a credible contender come March 16 but, even if he does score, it’s unlikely his odds will tumble.

With stablemate Zaynar fluffing his lines dramatically at Kelso nine days ago, Binocular out for the season with a muscle problem and Paul Nicholls’ Celestial Halo seemingly lacking gears, it appears, at this stage, as if the hurdling crown is Ireland’s to lose.

But who will grab it? Solwhit is current favourite, thanks to a series of slick display on home soil, while Noel Meade’s Go Native has fine claims thanks to his brace of Grade One wins in the ‘Fighting Fifth’ at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle.

While they look solid, the suspicion remains that the path is clear for a young improver to emerge and one that has the right profile is Voler La Vedette, a filly that is quickly turning into the apple of trainer Colm Murphy’s eye

Seven wins from nine career shows she has ability, while the way Murphy saw his ‘Special Lady’ pulverise Go Native at Down Royal last November confirmed she has serious gears – gears that would enable her to go close in the Champion.

Murphy, however, is reluctant to ask her to mix it with the boys a fortnight on Tuesday, despite the huge temptation. The way he sees it, an alternative target later the same day – namely the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – will be more rewarding.

“We left her in at the forfeit stage but it is more than likely she is going to run in the mares’ race,” said Murphy, whose Brave Inca won the Champion in 2006. “She’s about 20/1 for the Champion but she’s second favourite for the mares’ race.

“On paper she has the form for the Champion and if some of the shorter priced horses came out – like Solwhit and Go Native – then the option is there but she is only a six-year-old and relatively inexperienced.

“We can still go to the Champion next year, please God. We have to be realistic. Yes, she beat Go Native in November but Noel said his horse wasn’t right that day. There is no question our lady is a very good filly.

“It is tempting to go for the Champion but the fact that the mares’ race is there, it looks the easier option for us. We have to do what is best for her. With another year under her belt, she will be much better. She’ll go fresh.”

As will Murphy’s other big Cheltenham hope. Big Zeb might have tumbled over in last season’s Champion Chase but he has bustled Master Minded up in the past and though it will be difficult to topple Nicholls’ speedster, a clear round would give him a squeak.

“We are under no illusions,” said Murphy. “If we see the Master Minded of two years ago, there is not a horse in the country to beat him. But we haven’t see that Master Minded for two years and Cheltenham will find any kinks in him.

“I’d like to think we’ll be there with our fella if that happens. We are a lot wiser going there with him now. He’s a better horse and hopefully we are not going over there to make up the numbers. He’s got a hell of a shout.”